Chicken's that squat

[DEBRA56]

When approaching my hens they squat down with wings kind of spread. My friend thinks they are letting you pet them. I think they do it because of instinct for a rooster to mate with them. Does anyone know why they do this cute act?

 

[HEChicken]

It sounds like the rooster squat (to allow the rooster to mate them). It also means eggs are imminent (if they are near point of lay pullets) or that the hen is laying if it is an older bird. If you give them a scritch on the neck and in front of the tail, they will get up and shake off just like they do after the rooster has done his thing.

 

[beefmaster]

yes they are doing the rooster squat no doubt about it.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

They are taken with your virility and want you to father their children. Yes, it's the rooster squat.